AACW 1.045 Public Beta Patch (Divisional HQ Removal)
Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:39 pm
Dear Players,
We are almost finished in the refactoring of the handling of divisions.
As expressed in various posts, we have indeed decided to remove divisional HQs from the game, with leaders being now mandatory to form up a division.
The main points of interests in this decision were:
a) Streamlined command structure, while retaining the same logic has before (ie you still have armies, corps and divisions).
b) A better AI, far more capable of dealing with the new rule (this beta patch features this AI, and Athena efficiency has improved by several notches just because of that.)
c) Less micro-managing.
If you are interested in helping us put the finishing touches on this rework, here is the patch:
http://ageoddl.telechargement.fr/patch_AACW_v1.045_beta.zip
Things to do:
First copy your regular AACW game directory, and apply the patch on it, so you can have both versions at the same time (the regular and this beta one).
There are only the 2 tutorials and 3 campaigns updated to this new rule (Both 61 campaigns and the 62 one).
It works only for the english language (if you are french and want to test, revert temporarly to English while you test this patch).
As this is a beta patch, you can get bugs. Please report them as usual to me. Be on the lookout for something weird regarding the new rule, although our internal tests showed that it worked fine, AI included.
Now the new game rule, how it works:
To form a division, you need an activated general. First, you select the desired general, and click on the 'Enable Divisional Command' button (second panel of the Special Orders panels), showing a tent and a guy before it. If the button is disabled, pass the mouse over, you will get the explainations why.
You have also a restriction on the number of divisions you can have on the field at the same time. The max number is 48 for USA and 24 for CSA, except in April 61 where you don't have your full potential (but it will rises as monthes pass). You can know how many divisions are on the field and how you are allowed by passing the mouse over the 'Enable Divisional Command' button (of a general capable of receiving the order).
When you click on this button, the General get a silver stripe. It means he is now able to form a division. This privilege has an administrative cost of 10 money, 5 war supplies and one conscript company (lack of assets can then prevent you from giving this order). Also, the turn the general get this order, he is suffering from a -2/-2-1 penalty to his ratings, so beware!
When you have your general ready, gather the units as usual with the (+) button, the same rules as before apply (ie you can have up to 18 elements, and such).
Voila, it is done!
Now, some precisions:
a) The turn after the general get his order, the penalties are lost.
b) If the general remains alone, without units under his direct command, he will reverts automatically to a general without the privilege of forming up the division. This is intended and normal, as an anti-exploit rule.
c) You will pay the cost only if your general has the order during hosting, meaning you can change your mind at will during a turn. You can even revoke the order (from a general having the privilege since some turns) and then restore the leader to his former privilege without any problem or cost: it is entirely reversible for you. Manipulate, experiment thus!
d) The administrative cost, is never paid back (death and taxes... no one can avoid them
). This is intended.
For whose willing to help, thanks you much for your efforts.
We are almost finished in the refactoring of the handling of divisions.
As expressed in various posts, we have indeed decided to remove divisional HQs from the game, with leaders being now mandatory to form up a division.
The main points of interests in this decision were:
a) Streamlined command structure, while retaining the same logic has before (ie you still have armies, corps and divisions).
b) A better AI, far more capable of dealing with the new rule (this beta patch features this AI, and Athena efficiency has improved by several notches just because of that.)
c) Less micro-managing.
If you are interested in helping us put the finishing touches on this rework, here is the patch:
http://ageoddl.telechargement.fr/patch_AACW_v1.045_beta.zip
Things to do:
First copy your regular AACW game directory, and apply the patch on it, so you can have both versions at the same time (the regular and this beta one).
There are only the 2 tutorials and 3 campaigns updated to this new rule (Both 61 campaigns and the 62 one).
It works only for the english language (if you are french and want to test, revert temporarly to English while you test this patch).
As this is a beta patch, you can get bugs. Please report them as usual to me. Be on the lookout for something weird regarding the new rule, although our internal tests showed that it worked fine, AI included.
Now the new game rule, how it works:
To form a division, you need an activated general. First, you select the desired general, and click on the 'Enable Divisional Command' button (second panel of the Special Orders panels), showing a tent and a guy before it. If the button is disabled, pass the mouse over, you will get the explainations why.
You have also a restriction on the number of divisions you can have on the field at the same time. The max number is 48 for USA and 24 for CSA, except in April 61 where you don't have your full potential (but it will rises as monthes pass). You can know how many divisions are on the field and how you are allowed by passing the mouse over the 'Enable Divisional Command' button (of a general capable of receiving the order).
When you click on this button, the General get a silver stripe. It means he is now able to form a division. This privilege has an administrative cost of 10 money, 5 war supplies and one conscript company (lack of assets can then prevent you from giving this order). Also, the turn the general get this order, he is suffering from a -2/-2-1 penalty to his ratings, so beware!
When you have your general ready, gather the units as usual with the (+) button, the same rules as before apply (ie you can have up to 18 elements, and such).
Voila, it is done!
Now, some precisions:
a) The turn after the general get his order, the penalties are lost.
b) If the general remains alone, without units under his direct command, he will reverts automatically to a general without the privilege of forming up the division. This is intended and normal, as an anti-exploit rule.
c) You will pay the cost only if your general has the order during hosting, meaning you can change your mind at will during a turn. You can even revoke the order (from a general having the privilege since some turns) and then restore the leader to his former privilege without any problem or cost: it is entirely reversible for you. Manipulate, experiment thus!
d) The administrative cost, is never paid back (death and taxes... no one can avoid them
). This is intended.For whose willing to help, thanks you much for your efforts.
thks anyway....